Basil-Remedy

The use of herbal remedies, including this herb, classified as Ocimum basilicum, are popular as an alternative to standard Western pharmaceutical medicine for a variety of problems, including cleansing the blood, tension as well as lowering blood pressure.

Basil is an effective remedy for various ailments, and this natural holistic approach to health is becoming more and more popular, but should NOT replace conventional medicine or prescription drugs.

Basil-Remedy

Basil is used for the following;

Rub crushed leaves on your temples to relieve headaches.

Pour boiling water over basil leaves for a pain-relieving foot-bath.

As well as:

• lowering blood pressure

• antispasmodic

• easing tension

• general detoxifier

• cleansing the blood

• lowering blood sugar levels

• lowering stress levels

• anti-inflammatory

• lowering cholesterol

• can be used as an "adaptogen"

Which part to use for basil herbal tea;

It's the leaves which are used for making the brew.

Making herbal tea;

The standard way to make an infusion, unless otherwise specified, is to pour a cup of boiling water over the material to be infused, let it stand for 5 minutes, strain it, and drink it.

* Fresh plant material

* When the recipe refers to fresh plant material to be used, a 1/4 cup fresh material is used, following the method above.

* Dried material

* When the recipe refers to using dried material, use 2 teaspoons of material when making it.

* Bark or seeds

* Should the recipe call for bark or seeds to be used, use 2 teaspoons of seeds or 1 tablespoon of bark.

* Sweetening your infusion

* You could sweeten your health drink with honey, should you so require, and a dash of fresh lemon juice may also enhance the taste.

General warning when using herbal infusions

• Only use the herbal material if you are 100% sure that it really the herb in question.

• If you are ill or have any health concerns, consult your health practitioner.

• Do not continuously drink the same infusion.

At maximum use for 10 days and then skip 5 days.

• Only have one cup of herbal infusion per day, except during acute periods - such as when you have a cold or flu, you can then have it three times a day, but for a maximum of 4 days.

• When you use a basil-remedy, be aware that it can be extremely powerful, and should you have any side effects when taking these infusions, immediately stop using the herb and consult your health practitioner right away.

Growing it: This sweet, fragrant annual is ideal for growing in pots.

Pull off the white flowers as soon as they appear to keep it from going to seed and your herbs from tasting bitter.

And, if you're looking for a great recipe in which to get your dose of this basil-remedy herb, we'd like to suggest;

Fresh Tomato & Basil Soup

This tomato soup is oh soooo good.

It's an awesome basil-remedy recipe to prepare for you and your family on a day when you want to utilize some of your garden fresh tomatoes and herbs.

Maybe serve this with a grilled ham & cheese or BLT sandwich.

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Makes 6 Servings

Rating *****

Ingredients:

1-3/4 lbs. fresh Roma tomatoes, including juice.

3/4 c. brown rice, uncooked.

1 c. celery, cooked, chopped.

1 c. onion, cooked, chopped.

3 Tbs. tomato paste.

2 cloves garlic, chopped.

1 Tbs. sugar or Splenda or other sugar substitute.

4 c. chicken stock.

1/4 c. fresh (basil) herb, chopped or 1-1/2 tsp.

Preparation;

Place all ingredients, except fresh herb (if using dried, add now), in a non-stick pot over medium high heat.

Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and breaking up the Romas with edge of spoon.

Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until rice is tender.